Kai Smith

ENG 102

Professor Kays

Substance Abuse on college campuses

Substance abuse is defined as overindulgence or a dependence on an

addictive substance, especially alcohol or drugs. Substance abuse on

college campuses has been a growing problem for many years and it

needs to be addressed. 23 percent of college students surveyed in

2015 reported using an illegal substance in the past month (Arria,Amelia

M.etal.,7183).College provides an environment where students have

easy access to drugs and alcohol; therefore it is easy for them to be

misused. Many students are exposed to party and drug cultures that

they have never experienced before. College students now have

greater access today then theyve had in the past. The increased

availability leads to a greater risk of students developing abusive

habits during their college years. Continued drug and alcohol use is

very detrimental to students. It can lead to poor academic

performance, absenteeism, impaired decision making, and can also

very easily lead to death. Even though it may be challenging to avoid

substances, it is important that college students are educated on the

risks involved.

The most popular substance used by college students is alcohol,

used by about 80 percent of students at least once a year. It

estimated that 50 percent of those students engage in binge drinking,

which is consuming large amounts of alcohol in small periods of time

(Presley et.al). Students choose to drink alcohol because they believe it

makes it easier to meet people, relaxes social anxiety, and helps to

have more fun. It is also extremely accessible, being present at parties,

sports events and student get-togethers. Since drinking alcohol is

thought of as a social norm, recognizing that students have drinking

problems can be difficult. The more students drink, the more likely they

will suffer negative consequences. These include hangovers, DUIs,

poor test scores, injuries, alcohol poisoning, and sexual assaults.

Another popular substance used by college students is prescribed

antidepressants and stimulants. Prescription pills became popular in

the 2000s. Students with prescribed medications began selling them

to their peers, which triggered widespread use among entire

campuses. By sophomore year, about half of college students have

been offered to abuse prescription drugs. Non-medical use of

prescription amphetamines such as Adderall and Ritalin among college

students increased from 2.9 percent in 2000 to 4.2 percent in 2015,

according to the 2015 Monitoring the Future Survey (Arria,AmeliaM.et

al.,7183).Many students are using these anti depressants and

stimulants to help them stay awake to complete assignments. When

used the right way and under supervision of a doctor, these drugs are

safe and effective. But continuing to wrongly using medications for a

long period of time puts lives at risk. Students mistakenly believe that

these medications are safe just because a doctor has prescribed them.

Yet, all medications have risks and are only safe when taken by whom

they are prescribed for. The dangers that come along with abusing

these drugs include seizures, organ damage, strokes etc. It is also very

illegal.

College students commonly use a dug named cocaine, in

powdered form. When inhaled, it provides a burst of energy and

euphoria. In the 1980s cocaine became the drug of choice among

many social cliques. The side effects of cocaine are among the most

dangerous of all drugs. It exerts powerful effects on the brain and is a

very powerful addictive drug.

Many colleges offer substance abuse counseling for their students.

Most of them follow the common 12-step model for treating addiction.

These programs are beneficial to students because they provide them

a safe and judgment free place where they can receive support and

treatment. The sooner students receive help for their substance abuse,

the better their chance for recovery and the easier their journey to

health.

Some college students arrive at college already having experience

with alcohol and drugs, and others dont. The students who dont, tend

to fall under pressure quickly. High rates of drug abuse can be

contributed to many factors including stress, course load, curiosity,

and peer pressure. The academic and financial responsibilities of

college cause stress among many students. For many students, it is

their first time being away from home and there a lot of anxiety about

fitting in. In order to cope, students use drugs. Freshman have the

highest risk because the first 6 weeks of college tend to be the most

vulnerable time for heavy drinking and alcohol related incidents. They

face a lot of pressure and expectations. Students who are surrounded

by people experimenting with drugs are more likely to try it

themselves. The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs discussed a

study that was performed on a college campus concerning illicit drug

use. They focused on the drug and alcohol patterns of freshman

students and how persistent drug use leads to decreased likelihood of

continuous enrollment.

College campuses serve as the main place of drug use in the

United States. New substances reach college campuses before they

reach the general public and before their dangers can be made aware.

College years are meant to be an unforgettable time. These are the

years that should be spent time building a professional foundation for

success, making lifelong friends, growing intellectually, and finding

your passion. Using drugs and alcohol may seem harmless at first, but

it leads to dependence and addiction. Substance abuse can ruin the

college experience and hinder a students potential to be successful.

College students should be aware that if they struggle with binge

drinking or substance abuse, there is help available to them and they

dont have to go through it alone.

Works Cited

Arria,AmeliaM.etal.DrugUsePatternsandContinuousEnrollmentinCollege:
Results from a Longitudinal Study.Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs 74.1
(2013): 7183. Print

Berkowitz,A D and Perkins, H.W. Problem drinking among college students: A

review of recent research .Journal of American College Health 36.2(1987) 123-129

Kadison, R., & DiGeronimo, T. F. San Francisco, CA, US: Jossey-Bass College of the
Overwhelmed: The campus mental health crisis and what to do about it. (2004). vi
pp. 296

Lee, Herman. "Administration, Student Groups Combat Drug Use." Washington Square
News.Washington Square News, 30 Jan. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.

Lisitza, Alexa. "Are D.C. College Students Using Synthetic Drugs?" Afro. The Afro-
American Newspapers, 19 Oct. 2016. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.

Presley, C. A., P. W. Meilman, R. Lyerla, and J. R. Cashin. "PUBLICATIONS." NCJRS

Abstract National Criminal Justice Reference Service. Southern Illinois University
Core Institute, 1996. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.